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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive


Contributed by Mike Smolinski
(Larger image (359Kb) contributed by Steve Connelly)

USS WASP   (CV-18)
(later CVA-18 and CVS-18)



Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Alpha - Lima - Juliet

U.S.S. WASP
Courtesy of Al Grazevich

Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons

 
 

Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Nasvy Unit Commendation (2) / Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
2nd Row: China Service Medal (extended) / American Campaign Medal / Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (8 stars)
3rd Row: World War II Victory Medal / Navy Occupation Service Medal ("Europe" clasp) / National Defense Service Medal (2)
4th Row: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3) / Philippine Presidential Unit Citation / Philippine Liberation Medal (2 stars)


CLASS - ESSEX (Short Hull)
Displacement 27,100 Tons, Dimensions, 872' (oa) x 93' x 28' 7" (Max)
Armament 12 x 5"/38AA, 32 x 40mm, 46 x 20mm, 82 Aircraft.
Armor, 4" Belt, 2 1/2" Hanger deck, 1 1/2" Deck, 1 1/2" Conning Tower.
Machinery, 150,000 SHP; Westinghouse Geared Turbines, 4 screws
Speed, 33 Knots, Crew 3448.

Operational and Building Data

Initially named Oriskany. Built by Bethlehem Quincy. Laid down 18 Mar 1942, renamed to honor CV-7 26 Sept 1942, launched 17 Aug 1943, commissioned 24 Nov 1943. Damaged by bombs off Kyushu 19 Mar 1945. Decommissioned to reserve 17 Feb 1947.

SCB 27A reconstruction at New York Navy Yard started 9/1948, completed and recommissioned 28 Sept 1951. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 18) 1 October 1952. SCB 125 angled deck modernization at San Francisco Navy 3/1955 to 1 Dec 1955. Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 18) 1 Nov 1956. FRAM II life extension 1963–64.

FATE
Decommissioned and stricken for disposal 1 July 1972. Sold to Union Minerals & Allys Corp., NYC, 21 May 1973. Scrapped in Kearny, NJ, by Lipsett Div. of Luria Brothers, NYC.


Click On Image 
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Name
CV-18 Wasp
NS098680001
30k

CV-18, initially named Oriskany, was renamed Wasp on 26 September 1942, to honor CV-7, lost in action eleven days earlier. (The name Oriskany was subsequently assigned to CV-34.)

A wasp is any of numerous winged hymenopterus insects possessing smooth, slender bodies, and an abdomen attached by a narrow stalk. They have well developed wings, biting mouthparts, and often administer painful stings. Eight American warships had previously borne the name:

  1. A Continental Navy schooner
  2. A sloop-of-war.
  3. A schooner.
  4. A sloop.
  5. A sloop-of-war.
  6. A side-wheel gunboat.
  7. A patrol yacht.
  8. An aircraft carrier (CV-7).

NS098680001: The first Wasp under sail. Note the Grand Union Flag. (Image submitted by Robert Hurst.)

NS020740: A wasp is any insect of the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita that is neither a bee nor an ant. Wasps often administer painful stings. (Vespula germanica, photo by Richard Bartz.)

NavSource
Wasp
NS020740
117k
The Early Years — World War II
CV-18 Wasp
NS021877
531k

USS Wasp (CV-18), World War II.

Overhead plan and starboard profile meticulously drawn by John Robert Barrett.

Navy Yard Associates
CV-18 Wasp
NS021823
107k

Ready for launching, at the Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard, Quincy, Massachusetts, 17 August 1943.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (Photo #: 80-G-K-14048).

Scott Dyben
CV-18 Wasp
NS021823a
121k

Launching, Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard, Quincy, Massachusetts, 17 August 1943.

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021823b
382k

This group of officers had just received a promotion and attended the launching ceremony of Wasp (CV-18). They are identified as (left to right): (LT(JG)) Katzenstein, (CDR) Leahey, (LT) Kintzel, (LCDR Fred M.) Larson, (LT) Baldwin, (LT(MC)) Edgerly, (?) Chaleston, (LCDR(MC)) Foley, (?) Funston, and (LT R.D.) Taylor.

NS021823c: Memorandum for the Captain of USS Iowa (BB-61), dated the day before, 16 August 1943.

Christopher Larson, grandnephew of Fred M. Larson
CV-18 Wasp
NS021823c
88k
CV-18 Wasp
NS021823d
809k

The future USS Wasp (CV-18) water borne, Quincy, Massachusetts, Tuesday, 17 August 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, Record Group 181, identifier 38330007.

NARA, via Michael Mohl
CV-18 Wasp
NS0218az
520k

USS Wasp (CV-18), No.3 starboard deck sheave on board from which pendant pulled free, prior to replacement. Photograph released 18 January 1944.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-221116.

NARA
DD-496 + CV-18 Wasp
NS0549602
157k

USS McCook (DD-496) alongside USS Wasp (CV-18), 13 February 1944.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-221123.

Captain Jerry Mason, USN
CV-18 Wasp
NS021818
89k

Underway at sea in the vicinity of Trinidad, with planes parked forward, apparently in preparation for landing aircraft, 22 February 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (Photo #: 80-G-221142).

Scott Dyben
CV-18 Wasp
NS021818b
580k

"U.S.S. Wasp, 27,100 ton Aircraft Carrier, length 855'10" sp.30 knots. Main Battery 12-5"/38. Aircraft 90. Crew 2500."

This photo appears to have been taken at approximately the same time as the one above.

Jim Kurrasch, Battleship Iowa, Pacific Battleship Center
CV-18 Wasp
NS021818a
215k

Another view, similar to the ones above.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) photo # 1996.488.053.032. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Mike Green
CV-18 Wasp
NS021832
85k

Boston Navy Yard, March 14, 1944. Wasp is believed to have been the first carrier camouflaged in Measure 33, Design 10A.

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021833
85k

As above. Good port side view of Measure 33, Design 10A.

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021876
49k

Starboard side view of the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18) in March 1944 wearing Measure 32/10A camouflage. It may be observed that Wasp had a 40 mm quad mount forward of the island, as well as four deck-edge radio masts. USN Photo.

Photo and text from "Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy," by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

Robert Hurst
CV-18 Wasp
NS021834
195k

A TBM-1C Avenger from VT-14 early in Wasp's combat career (no markings on the tail), June 1944, ends up in the water after a failed cat shot.

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021835
195k
CV-18 Wasp
NS0218ak
161k

Damaged engine of an F6F-3 Hellcat (BuNo 41972) after crashing into island structure aboard USS Wasp (CV-18), 2 June 1944.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-266350.

NARA
CV-18 Wasp
NS0218ba
649k

Damage to port elevator of an SB2C-3 Helldiver (Bu# 19186), seen on the flight deck of USS Wasp (CV-18), 4 July 1944, after an Iwo Jima raid, H.J. Skagges, USNR, Pilot.

(This aircraft was lost on 14 September 1944, off Los Negros, Philippine Islands. Pilot was ENS Reardon.)

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-266364.

NARA
CV-18 Wasp
NS0218au
659k

USS Wasp (CV-18), 7 July 1944. Rear Admiral Ralph Davidson presenting the Purple Heart to personnel aboard the carrier. Shown: ARM2 Richard J. Lyman, USN.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-266354.

NARA
CV-18 Wasp
NS0218aua
650k

USS Wasp (CV-18), 7 July 1944. Rear Admiral Ralph Davidson presenting the Purple Heart to personnel aboard the carrier. Shown: ARM2 Richard J. Lyman, USN.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-266358.

NARA
CV-18 Wasp
NS021836
136k

SB2C-1C Helldiver from VB-14 collides with one of Wasp's 5" gun mounts returning from a raid on Palau, August 1944.

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021837
147k

This SB2C Helldiver from VB-14 ended up "in the drink" after a bad landing, August 1944.

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021819
89k

Flight deck crews prepare to load a Mark XIII torpedo on a TBM aircraft, during strikes in the Luzon-Formosa area, 13 October 1944. Note plywood shrouds on the torpedo's fins and nose. Plane at right is an F6F, others visible are TBMs.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (Photo #: 80-G-298609).

Scott Dyben
CV-18 Wasp
NS021895
15k

Torpedo Squadron (VT) 14, part of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 14, was established in August 1943 and assigned to Wasp (then still under construction); commissioned in September; Wasp commissioned in November 1943, and VT-14 was aboard until early November 1944. During this time the squadron was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation and four "Battle Stars."

Tommy Trampp
CV-18 Wasp
NS021820
78k

Third Fleet aircraft carriers at anchor in Ulithi Atoll, 8 December 1944, during a break from operations in the Philippines area. The carriers are (from front to back): USS Wasp (CV-18), USS Yorktown (CV-10), USS Hornet (CV-12), USS Hancock (CV-19) and USS Ticonderoga (CV-14). Wasp, Yorktown and Ticonderoga are all painted in camouflage Measure 33, Design 10a. Photographed from a USS Ticonderoga plane.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (Photo #: 80-G-294131).

Scott Dyben
CV-18 Wasp
NS021820a
135k

Another view, as above.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-294129).

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-18 Wasp
NS021807
78k December 11, 1944 photo of the Wasp at sea. USN
CV-18 Wasp
NS021874
93k

"Island structure of the (USS Wasp) as seen from the bow with battery of 5" guns in the foreground." 23 December 1944. Photographer: T4 Thomas Kane.

U.S. Army Signal Corps photo (SWPA-SigC-45-958). U.S. National Archives (SC 265315).

Dave Kerr
CV-18 Wasp
NS021874a
89k

"A crew chief gives visual taxiing instructions to a pilot who has just landed on the (USS Wasp in Central Pacific) waters, helping thim to clear the way for another incoming planes." 23 December 1944. Photographer: T4 Thomas Kane.

U.S. Army Signal Corps photo (SWPA-SigC-45-961). U.S. National Archives (SC 265317).

Dave Kerr
CV-18 Wasp
NS021874b
83k

"Plane from the (USS Wasp, cruising in Central Pacific) waters, takes off for combat patrol." 23 December 1944. Photographer: T4 Thomas Kane.

U.S. Army Signal Corps photo (SWPA-SigC-45-964). U.S. National Archives (SC 265320).

Dave Kerr
CV-18 Wasp
NS021875
107k

"Planes of the (USS Wasp), with wings folded, secured on the flight deck between combat patrols." 24 December 1944. Photographer: T4 Thomas Kane.

U.S. Army Signal Corps photo (SWPA-SigC-45-960). U.S. National Archives (SC 265316).

Dave Kerr
CV-18 Wasp
NS021875a
87k

"Blinding flashes of sulphur colored flames, and earsplitting detonations from the firing of a battery of twin five inch guns, keynotes sleeve target practice aboard the (USS Wasp)." 24 December 1944. Photographer: T4 Thomas Kane.

U.S. Army Signal Corps photo (SWPA-SigC-45-962). U.S. National Archives (SC 265318).

Dave Kerr
CV-18 Wasp
NS021875b
111k

"To clear the flight deck of damaged planes, large elevators operate between decks; center elevator is shown taking a plane below." 24 December 1944. Photographer: T4 Thomas Kane.

U.S. Army Signal Corps photo (SWPA-SigC-45-963). U.S. National Archives (SC 265319).

Dave Kerr
CV-18 Wasp
NS0218bc
69k

Marty notes: "My Grandfather, Edward M. Lonergan, was the oldest crew member aboard the USS Wasp (CV-18). Attached is a photo of him and his crew mates on deck in 44–45."

Marty Lonergan
CV-18 Wasp
NS021882
73k

A U.S. Navy Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldiver of Bombing Squadron (VB) 86 in the landing pattern over the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18), in 1945.

Tommy Trampp
CV-18 Wasp
NS0218ax
267k

Looking aft, a view of a forward twin 5"/38 gun mount aboard USS Wasp (CV-18), in 1945.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo # 1977.031.074.017.

Mike Green
CV-18 Wasp
NS021824
154k A really unique shot taken from the catwalk under the bow of the 40-mm gun crew and the Mk.51 director for that gun. January 1945. National Archives. Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021838
80k

USS Wasp in late January 1945, being refueled by USS Chipola (AO-63). Note the early flag bridge with lower quad 40mm's and the hangar deck catapult.

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021839
77k

USS Wasp at Ulithi, February 1945, airing her laundry from the hangar deck.

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021840
138k

Two interesting pictures of the USMC detachment.

Top: Circa April 1945. Note the "early bridge" with the forward quad 40mm gun tub on the island and her dazzle paint.

Bottom: At some later time. Same spot, after island had been modified and the ship repainted in a new camouflage scheme.

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021841
121k
CV-18 Wasp
NS021800
91k

Official photo of USS Wasp (CV-18) during World War II. Undated, but probably taken just after her April–June 1945 repair-refit, as the photos below. Note there are only two radio masts, two quad 40-mm gun mounts in a sponson (port, forward), and two aft. Photo by pilot LT(JG) Grasen.

Tommy Trampp
Larger photo submitted by David Buell
CV-18 Wasp
NS0218aq
541k

USS Wasp (CV-18). Undated, but probably taken after her April–June 1945 repair-refit, as the photos below. Note two quad 40-mm gun mounts aft, three amidships; two radio masts.

David Buell
CV-18 Wasp
NS021858c
467k

Broadside view, starboard side, USS Wasp (CV-18), 2 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo (# 2798-45).

David Buell
CV-18 Wasp
NS021858a
107k

Bow view, port side, of USS Wasp (CV-18), 2 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo (# 2799-45).

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.053.037. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Mike Green
CV-18 Wasp
NS021858b
119k

Head on view of USS Wasp (CV-18), 2 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo (# 2802-45).

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.053.038. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Mike Green
CV-18 Wasp
NS021858
90k

Stern view, port side, of USS Wasp (CV-18). June 2, 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo (# 2803-45).

Original copy submitted by Tracy White,
Researcher @ Large.
Larger copy courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-18 Wasp
NS021878
48k

Portside view of the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18) in June 1945 once more painted to Measure 21. The usual disposition of the 40 mm AA at that time is visible: one quad forward of the island has been removed, three more are fitted on the starboard side, and those furher aft are moved forward. There are only two deck-edge masts now. USN Photo.

Photo and text from "Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy," by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

Robert Hurst
CV-18 Wasp
NS021879
126k

USS Wasp (CV-18) at anchor on 9 June 1945, out of Puget Sound. Note the Mk-51 Mod 2 radar on the port side of the bow quad mounting—an arrangement which obstructed controlled firing to starboard. Beginning with Wasp, the Mk-51 was no longer fitted on a separate control pedestal between the island and the second forward 5/38 turret, but on the island itself. On some ships the identification number on the forward flight deck, which was always painted in a dark colour, was orientated to be read from the front. This caused some misunderstandings, especially when an escort carrier with the number 81 [USS Rudyerd Bay] entered the fleet, and these forward deck numbers were later reversed. Radar and electronica at this time consisted of: Radar SK, SP. Fire control: 2 Mk-37 directors with radar Mk-12/22 and 2 Mk-51 Mod 2 (for 5"); also 4 Mk-63 directors with radar Mk-28, 2 Mk-57 directors with radar Mk-29 and 12 Mk-51 (for 40 mm).

Photo and text from "Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy," by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

Robert Hurst
CV-18 Wasp
NS021879a
123k

Broad on starboard bow view of USS Wasp (CV-18). 9 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo.

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-18 Wasp
NS021879b
157k

Broad on, port beam, of USS Wasp (CV-18), 9 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.053.042. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Mike Green
CV-18 Wasp
NS021879c
143k

Dead ahead view of USS Wasp (CV-18), 9 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.053.047. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

CV-18 Wasp
NS021879d
539k

Broad on port quarter view of USS Wasp (CV-18), 9 June 1945. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo.

David Buell
CV-18 Wasp
NS021879e
380k

Possibly another view as above.

CV-18 Wasp
NS021842
157k

Wasp had her hull number painted upside down on the forward part of the flight deck for some reason. Hornet also started out this way but someone with a little authority thought it looked stupid and had it painted right side up shortly after entering combat.

Although this photo is undated, it must have been taken in June 1945 or later, as Wasp didn't have the port catapult until then. (Thanks to Tracy White, who pointed this out).

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021843
151k

One of Wasp's F4U-1D's from VBF-86 does a flip onto an SB2C-4, July 1945.

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021844
91k

Photo taken from Wasp's island looking aft over her 40mm's and 5" DP guns showing her airgroup, August 1945.

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021801
112k

At sea in the western Pacific, 6 August 1945.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (Photo #: 80-G-261904).

Scott Dyben
CV-18 Wasp
NS021845
94k

Carrier Operations off Japan, August 1945 — A Japanese aircraft is shot down just off the starboard bow of USS Wasp (CV-18), during operations off Honshu, Japan, 9 August 1945. Two Fletcher-class destroyers are in the foreground. Photographed from USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31), the image includes two frames, showing the scene just before and after the crash. The original caption identifies the aircraft as a Grace (Aichi B7A2).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-455702).

NHC
CV-18 Wasp
NS021887
138k

A Royal Navy T-class destroyer steams next to the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-18) in August 1945. The destroyer's pennant number is obscured (D4?). Five T-class destroyers and the carrier HMS Indefatigable (R10) were part of Task Group 38.3 in August 1945: HMS Teazer (D45), HMS Tenacious (D46), HMS Termagant (D47), HMS Terpsichore (D48), and HMS Troubridge (D49). The two funnel rings identify the ship as part of the 24th destroyer flotilla (all T-class destroyers). As the vertical stripe identifies the division leader in the flotilla (the second senior commander), the destroyer is most probably Terpsichore. In the distance are a long-hull Essex-class carrier, probably USS Randolph (CV-15)—flagship for RADM Gerald F. Bogan—, and the battleship USS North Carolina (BB-55).

U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation photo No. 1977.031.074.099. This image is part of a photograph album that was acquired by RADM Joseph C. Clifton during his service as Executive Officer of Wasp during World War II.

Robert Hurst
CV-18 Wasp
NS021821
500k

Task Force 38, of the U.S. Third Fleet, maneuvering off the coast of Japan, 17 August 1945, two days after Japan agreed to surrender. Taken by a USS Shangri-La (CV-38) photographer. The aircraft carrier in lower right is USS Wasp (CV-18). The other identifiable carrier is Shangri-La in the left center. Also present in the formation are four other Essex-class carriers, four light carriers, at least three battleships (two of the Iowa class and one of the South Dakota class), plus several cruisers and destroyers.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-278815.

Scott Dyben
Robert Hurst
CV-18 Wasp
NS0218be
1.44M

"VICTORY, V-J DAY, SPECIAL ISSUE, U.S.S. WASP PRESS"

Steve Hatchett, for his father, LT(JG) George L. Hatchett, USN
CV-18 Wasp
NS021846
148k

Like Hornet (CV-12) and Bennington (CV-20), Wasp had her flight deck smashed, too, but two months later, after the war was over, in a typhoon on August 26th, 1945.

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021847
89k
CV-18 Wasp
NS021848
92k

Wasp's scoreboard on the forward bulkhead, hangar deck level just behind the forecastle.

It reads left to right, "Enemy bases attacked, 36 islands / Major cities attacked, Tokyo, Saigon, Manila, Camranh Bay, Hong Kong, Canton, Kure // Aircraft destroyed in the air by ship's gunfire and AirGroup 14, AirGroup 81 and AirGroup 86, 230 / AirGroup 14, AirGroup 81 and AirGroup 86, Aircraft Destroyed on ground, 405 // Ships sunk, 114 / Ships damaged, 234."

Steve Whitby
CV-18 Wasp
NS021871
344k

V Division aboard USS Wasp (CV-18) during WW II. The only two identified are A.J. "Lucky" Lewis and his best friend Edmund "Ski" Kotoski, both kneeling on second row on left side.

David Long comments: "8th Sailor from the right, bottom row, kneeling is Seaman James C. Long, my father."

Chip Lawson comments: "My Dad, Talmadge Lawson, was a gunner on board the Wasp. He is located on the third row from the bottom and 16th from the left."

Jason D. Kosior believes that his grandfather, Florian "Floyd" Kosior, is in the bottom row, third from the left (as you look at the photo). "I’ve consulted with the family and we feel that this is his picture." "Floyd" Kosior "was a painter and was on the Wasp from November 24th 1943–September 15th 1945 and his rate was PtrV1c."

Jim Lewis, son of Alfred J. Lewis
Photos courtesy of Matt McKean, for his father, Dean McKean, who was a 3rd class radar operator aboard USS Wasp (CV-18) during the latter stages of World War II.


CV-18
NS0218ay
123 Kb
90 mph winds, 75' waves, during the typhoon, 26 August 1945 (see above).
CV-18
NS0218aya
686 Kb
5,000 bunks put in the hangar deck to take European POWs back and returning American troops to the U.S.
CV-18
NS0218ayb
644 Kb
Shipmates.
CV-18
NS0218ayc
531 Kb
Crew gathered on the flight deck as Wasp enters port.
CV-18
NS0218ayd
661 Kb
Dean McKean coming out a hatch on the island.
CV-18
NS0218aye
951 Kb
Dean McKean and his friend Hildebrand.
CV-18
NS0218ayf
898 Kb
Dean McKean reading in his bunk.
CV-18
NS0218ayg
855 Kb
Dean McKean painting a model plane.
CV-18
NS0218ayi
517 Kb
F6F Hellcat, with battle damage, being serviced. Note two "kill" markings.
CV-18
NS0218ayj
527 Kb
Dean McKean's friend Hildebrand's balsa airplane on flight deck. They built planes in their spare time.
CV-18
NS0218ayk
457 Kb
Kirkman (a compartment mate?) building his plane.
CV-18
NS0218ayl
381 Kb
Chaplain's sympathy chit from Padre Fitzgerald.
CV-18
NS0218aym
236 Kb
V-3 Division Stbd. and Port, in front of an F6F Hellcat. Dean is fourth from the left in the back row, just to the left of the crease. The photo was taken after 27 July 1945, as aircraft sport the "X" id letter assigned in Dispatch No. 061121.
CV-18
NS0218ayn
911 Kb
Cover of USS Wasp Memorial Service, 11 October 1945. Lists all those lost in action, including the Air Groups.
 
From USS Wasp World War II Cruise Book

"Wasp departed for Southampton on 12 December [1945] [...] A severe storm, with winds up to eighty knots, in the latter half of the trip, wreaked havoc with the hangar deck curtains. [...]
   Wasp put in to Plymouth, England, for repairs on 19 December, and remained there until the 25th. [...]
   On Christmas day Wasp sailed for Southampton. [...] The Ship tied up at Southampton on the 26th, loaded close to six thousand troops (and not a female among them), who had been waiting many weeks for transportation, and on the 27th headed for New York.
   In the next few days Wasp ran into some of the severest storms of any winter in the North Atlantic. The constant pounding of the head seas weakened and finally smashed the forward portion of the flight deck and the starboard side of the bow. Beams and bulkheads twisted and buckled. The port side of the flight deck gave and hung over the bow, while several officers' rooms on the starboard side had to be vacated. Damage control measures by the constantly vigilant and hard-working Hull Department prevented any injuries to personnel and succeeded in limiting the damage. The Ship was forced to change course, and headed south in an attempt to get out of the storm area. On New Year's Eve, the storm's fury was at its height, and there was very little celebrating at midnight. The crew were too tired, the GI's too seasick.
   The New Year brought new and better weather, and the remainder of the trip was untroubled. Our original ETA of 1 January had gradually moved ahead, and it wasn't until 5 January that Wasp, limping but proud, was slowly warped into her berth at the Port of Embarkation in Staten Island. The tired yet happy troops bid us farewell as they quickly debarked to the cheers and waving of a welcoming New York."
CV-18
NS0218ayo
185 Kb
Wasp rolling in Atlantic storm.
CV-18
NS0218ayh
148 Kb
Damage to Wasp's flight deck.
CV-18
NS0218ayp
237 Kb
Damage to Wasp's flight deck.
CV-18 Wasp
NS0218ac
13.7M

The Aircraft Carrier USS Wasp CV-18, World War II Cruise Book.

This copy of the book was owned by Florian "Floyd" Kosior, who served aboard Wasp, November 1943–September 1945.

Jason D. Kosior, grandson of Florian "Floyd" Kosior
CV-18 Wasp
NS0218aca
14.6M

USS WASP CV-18 HISTORY, 24 November 1943–2 September 1945, The Seventh Wasp.

Jim Lewis, son of Alfred J. Lewis

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USS Wasp (CV-18 / CVA-18 / CVS-18) DANFS History entry
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Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway World Aircraft Carrier Pages By Andrew Toppan.
USS Wasp Association Web Page
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Last update: 13 October 2023